Moving from Tempe, AZ to Fairfield, CA
The drive from Tempe, AZ to Fairfield, CA runs 776 mi — about 14h 11m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
776 mi · 14h 11m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fairfield is 5.0% higher than Tempe, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fairfield is 5.0% above Tempe — $468,281 vs $609,269 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 24.5" |
Climate cools by 10.1°F on the annual average — 71.8°F → 61.7°F.
Fairfield gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 3.16 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.0% between Tempe and Fairfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fairfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.1°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tempe to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 776 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 30.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 31.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fairfield, CA from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 776 mi and the route typically takes 14h 11m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 71.8°F in Tempe (10.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 8.8 in.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 5.0% higher than Tempe (108.479 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fairfield compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Fairfield, CA.